String vs. string in C#: When Should I Use Which?

The difference between string and String in C#: in-depth understanding

In C#, programmers often encounter two similar-looking terms: string and String. This article will explore the differences between these two constructs and guide you on how to use them correctly.

Essentially the same

Technically, there is no fundamental difference between string and String. string is just an alias for the System.String class in the .NET Framework. Both represent the same type of data: a sequence of characters.

When to use string

According to the C# language specification, in most cases it is recommended to use the string alias to reference string objects. It points directly to a string literal or instance.

For example:

<code class="language-csharp">string greeting = "Hello everyone!";</code>

When to use String

Use with System.String class

In some cases, it may be necessary to explicitly reference the System.String class. This is mainly needed when using reflection or generic programming. For example:

<code class="language-csharp">Type stringType = typeof(String);</code>

Recommended styles

Microsoft's current coding guidelines encourage the use of string aliases for all string operations and references. This approach enhances the readability of the code and is consistent with the conventions adopted by the .NET Framework itself.

Conclusion

Understanding the subtle differences between string and String in C# is critical to writing idiomatic code. By adhering to the guidelines presented in this article, developers can ensure the consistency, clarity, and maintainability of their C# programs.

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